Method for operating remote electrical distribution equipment with transitional light-emitive member disposed intermediate an elongate member and a tool

ABSTRACT

A method for moving operational catches on electrical distribution equipment mounted on poles of an electrical distribution system with a tool connected to a transitional member attached to an end of the pole, in which the transitional member connects at a first angle relative to the elongate member and at a second angle relative to the tool, with a light source in the transitional member oriented at an oblique angle for simultaneously illuminating a work area of the electrical distribution equipment and the tool, whereby the tool is illuminable by the light source even though the intermediate member is placed selectively in differing orientations relative to the elongate member.

The present application is a continuation of application Ser. No.09/885,363, filed Jun. 20, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,483,060.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to actuators for operating electricaldistribution equipment mounted on poles of electrical distributionsystems. More particularly, the present invention relates to tipsengaged to distal ends of elongate members for operating remoteelectrical distribution equipment mounted on poles of electricaldistribution systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electrical transmission and distribution systems typically use a numberof poles mounted along roadsides and other right-of-way for supportingelectric lines. Electrical current transmits through the electric linesfrom generation stations for distribution to commercial and residentialcustomers. Many of the poles include electrical distribution equipmentfor use controlling the transmission of electric current. Theseelectrical distribution equipment include interrupt assemblies andtransformers. The interrupt assemblies are typically reclosers, fuses,and cut-out switches. The interrupt assemblies are used to interrupt atransmission of electricity through the electric lines. Primarily, theinterrupt assemblies function to isolate portions of the transmissionlines in the event of electrical surges. For example, some types ofreclosers operate automatically under high current surges such as arecaused by electrical storms. The opening and closing of the recloserprevents the surge from communicating further through the transmissionand distribution system. The recloser thereby electrically protects thetransmission and distribution system from damage. Similarly, fuses openor “blow” in order to protect the transmission lines from damage.

If a recloser fails to open (i.e., properly operate), or a fuse is blownopen, portions of the distribution system are isolated from electricalcurrent. Line technicians must travel to the open recloser or blown fuseand close the recloser or replace the fuse to reestablish electricalcurrent to the isolated portion of the distribution system.

One such interrupting assembly is a vertically mounted cut-out assembly.The cut-out assembly mounts in line with the electrical lines,transformers, capacitors, regulators and the like. When the cut-outassembly is open, electrical current does not flow through the assemblyto the line or apparatus downstream of the assembly. Vertical cut-outsinclude a combined switch and fuse element. The combined switch andlightning arrestor fuse element pivotally mounts at one end in a hingebracket. The pivot is usually located at the lower end of the verticalcutout. At the opposing end, the switch has a cap which engages a recessof a contact plate in the assembly. The recess engages the cap,typically under spring pressure. The spring pressure secures the switchin an operative position, whereby electrical current communicatesthrough the cut-out assembly. Detaching the cap from the contact plateopens the cut-out assembly and thereby stops the electricalcommunication through the assembly. The switch pivots with a respect tothe lower hinge bracket to a “drop-out” position. Often the cut-outcombined switch and fuse element moves automatically to the drop-outposition by disengaging from the contact plate after the fuse opens orblows. In addition to automatic operation, these devices may be operatedmanually by linesmen to interrupt the electrical circuit, whereby workcan be carried out more safely on the isolated portion of thetransmission system. With the combined switch and fuse element in thedrop-out position, the element can be lifted from the assembly byengaging ears on the element and brought to the ground for servicing. Aring at an opposing end of the element is engageable to pivot theelement from the drop-out position to the engaged operating position

The interrupting assemblies are typically fitted with a structuralfeature designed for cooperation with a handling tool, commonly referredto as a extendostick. These hand-held extendosticks are typically 30 to40 feet, or more, in length. The extendostick is operated typically by autility worker or lineman who is standing on the ground near the pole,although other operating tools maybe used by the lineman who has climbedthe pole to be near the electrical distribution equipment, or isstanding in a platform of a bucket truck. For example, my U.S. Pat. No.5,998,748 describes a lever arm which readily attaches to ringsconnected to reclosers. The typical structural feature of a recloserthat the extendostick engages to operate the equipment is a ring thatextends from the end of an arm operatively engaged to the recloser. Thelineman inserts the hook stick into the ring, and using the hook stick,actuates the equipment by pressing or pulling against the ring with thehook stick. Rings operated by hook sticks are difficult and cumbersometo operate. Inserting the free distal end of the hook stick into thetypical ring from the ground requires skill and patience. The difficultyof inserting the hook stick into the ring is further complicated by theconditions in which electrical system faults generally occur. High windsand lightening are leading causes of system faults. Therefore, the needto operate a cut-out switch often occurs during poor weather and atnight. Placing the hook stick into the relatively small ring near anupper portion of a utility pole is even more an arduous a task in wet,windy, and dark conditions. This is a difficult task, even for suchelectrical distribution devices known as cut-out switches that use ringsor hooks for the operational catches that are engaged by theextendosticks. These factors may cause numerous failed attempts to placethe hook stick into the ring, and work becomes time consuming. Time isimportant in restoring electrical power to isolated portions of thetransmission system. Moreover, safety of utility personal has asignificant concern. Failed attempts to inset a hook stick into a polering increases the exposure of the lineman to weather conditions orelectrical hazards.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved tip forattachment to a distal end of a extendostick to facilitate operation ofelectrical distribution equipment mounted to poles of electricaldistribution systems. It is to such that the present invention isdirected.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention meets the need in the art by providing a method ofoperating a catch on electrical distribution equipment mounted on polesof an electrical distribution system with a transitional member having alight source attached intermediate a distal end of an elongate memberand a tool for selectively simultaneously illuminating, engaging, andoperating the catch remote from the ground, comprising the steps of:

(a) connecting a body having a first connecter that defines a surface ofa first character with a mating surface of a second character defined ona distal end of an elongate member at a first angle relative to alongitudinal axis of the elongate member;

(b) connecting a tool for selectively engaging an operational catch onelectrical distribution equipment to a second connector in a portion ofthe body opposing the first connector at a second angle relative to thelongitudinal axis of the elongate member, the second connector defininga surface of a third character that matingly engages a surface of thetool defining a fourth character;

(c) activating a light source having a power supply and light bulbenclosed within the body intermediate the first connector and the secondconnector with a light-emitting end oriented at an oblique anglerelative to the second connector for simultaneously illuminating a workarea of the electrical distribution equipment and the tool, whereby thetool is illuminable by the light source even though the first connectoris placed selectively in differing orientations relative to the elongatemember; and

(d) moving the elongate member selectively to engage the tool in theoperational catch of the electrical distribution equipment for operationthereof,

whereby the body and the elongate member and the body and the tool,being selectively engaged at the respective first and second angles,allows an operator simultaneously to illuminate the work area and toobserve the tool and the operational catch for selectively moving theelongate member to engage and operate the operational catch with thetool.

Other objects, advantages, and features of the present invention willbecome apparent upon a reading of the following detailed description ofthe invention and claims in view of the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view, exploded and partially cut-away, of atransitional member with an elongate member and operating tool inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a cut-out and arrester combination with hooksfor operation by a tip connected with the transitional member shown inFIG. 1 to an elongate member, according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Referring now in more detail to the drawings in which like parts havelike identifiers, FIG. 1 is a plan view, exploded and partiallycut-away, of a transitional member 10 for attaching at a first anglebetween a distal end of a hook stick or elongate member 12 and a tool ortip 14, for orienting the tip 14 at a second angle relative to theelongate member, as discussed below. In the illustrated embodiment, thetip 14 is configured for operating electrical distribution equipmentmounted on power poles in an electrical distribution system. Thetransitional member 10 comprises a body 16 having a first connector 18for engaging a distal end of the elongate member 12. In the illustratedembodiment, the first connector 18 comprises a pair of arms 22, 24 thatextend from the body 16 in a first direction to define a slot 26. Asdiscussed below, a fastener passes through the slot 26 for securing thetransitional member 10 to the elongate member 12. The first connector 18defines a surface of a first character for engagement with a surface ofa mating second character on the elongate member 12. In the illustratedembodiment, the arms 22, 24 include a plurality of raised, radiallydisposed ridges 28. The ridges 28 are spaced-apart to define valleys 30between adjacent ridges 28, for a purpose discussed below.

A portion of the body 16 opposing the first connector 18 defines asecond connector generally 32. The second connector 32 includes anopening 34 and the body 16 thereat defines a surface of a thirdcharacter for engagement with a mating surface of the tip 14. In theillustrated embodiment, the second connector 32 defines an annularpattern of ridges 36 and valleys 38 around the opening 34.

The transitional member 10 in the illustrated embodiment furtherincludes an integral light source 40. The body 16 defines a cylindricalcavity 42 disposed between the first connector 18 and the secondconnector 32. The cylindrical cavity 42 is closed by a transparent cover44 which encloses a conventional light bulb (not illustrated) at a sideportion 45 of the body 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the light bulband transpartent cover 44 are disposed at a distal end of a projectingmember 46. The projecting member is disposed at an oblique anglerelative to a longitudinal axis of the cavity 42, to thereby angle theorientation of the beam of light emitted from through the cover 44 infirst direction. The cavity 42 is sized for receiving a battery 48. Thecavity 42 includes wires for engaging electrically opposing ends of abattery received within the cavity. The distal ends of the wireselectrically communicate with the light bulb. A switch 50 electricallycommunicates with one of the wires between the battery 48 and the lightbulb to enable the light bulb to be selectively operated. A cap 52threadably engages an open end of the cavity 42 on the body 16 opposingthe cover 44.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the elongate member 12 receives a connectorplate 54 at a distal end. The connector plate 54 defines an opening 55.A face of the plate 54 defines a plurality of raised ridges 56 separatedby valleys 58 that correspond to the ridges 28 and valleys 30 of thefirst connector 18 of the transitional member 10. The plate 54 matinglyengages the connector 18 with the ridges 28 received in the valleys 58of the plate and the valleys 30 of the connector 18 receiving the ridges56 of the plate. Depending upon the selective placement of the firstconnector 18 of the transitional member 10 relative to the connectorplate 54, the transitional member 10 is selectively positioned at afirst angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate member 12. Athreaded fastener 60 extends through the opening 55, through the slot26, and engages a nut 62 for securing the transitional member 10 in theselected position.

Further illustrated in FIG. 1 is the tip 14 for attachment to thetransitional member 10, to provide a tool for operating electricaldistribution equipment mounted on poles of an electrical distributionsystem, as discussed below. The tip 14 in the illustrated embodimentincludes a body 66 having a connector 68 with two arms 70, 72 and asurface that defines an arcuate pattern of ridges 74 and valleys 76, formating engagement to the second connector 32 of the transitional member10. An arm 78 extends laterally from a side portion of the body 66opposing the connector 68. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 66further defines an opening 80 opposing the connector 68. The opening 80and the arm 78 provide engagement portions of the tip 14 for engagingoperative elements of the electrical distribution equipment, asdiscussed below.

The present invention accordingly provides the transitional member 10for readily attaching at the first angle to the elongate member 12 withthe tip 14 disposed at a second angle for engaging and operatingelectrical distribution equipment mounted on poles remote from theground. The transitional member 10 preferably is molded from a highstrength plastic, fiberglass, or other non-conductive material. Thetransitional member 10 matingly engages the plate 54 by aligning therespective ridges 28 and valleys 30 with the valleys 58 and ridges 56,respectively, on the plate 54. The transitional member 10 is therebyselectively positioned at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis ofthe elongate member 12. The transitional member 10 is secured to theplate 40 by the threaded fastener 60 and nut 62. It is to be appreciatedthat the plate 54 can be configured as an integral portion of theelongate member 12, or as a separate member selectively attached to thedistal end of the elongate member or hook stick.

The tip 14 similarly attaches to the second connector 32 of thetransitional member 10. The ridges 74 and valleys 76 of the connector 68are selectively positioned to the valleys 38 and the ridges 36 of thesecond connector 32, whereby the tip 14 is selectively oriented at asecond angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member12. The tip 14 is secured to the transitional member 10 by one of thethreaded fasteners 60 and nuts 62.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cut-out and arrester combination 90 also known as alock-out switch or fused cut-out switch. This one of the types ofelectrical distribution equipment typically mounted on poles remote fromthe ground for controlling the transmission of electrical currentthrough electrical lines in a transmission and distribution system. Thecut-out and arrester combination 90 includes a fuse body 92 detachablyengaged to supports 94, 96. Opposing hooks 98, 99 attach to end portionsof the fuse body 92. The hooks 98, 99 each have an arm 100, 101 withrespective hook-shaped distal ends 102, 103. Conventionally, the fusebody 92 pivotally connects to the hinge-like support 96 in the cut-outand arrester combination 90 disposed closer to the ground. The fuse body92 is engaged by a clip at the support 94. With the use of a hookstickor elongate member 12, the hook 98 is engaged and moved, to detach thefuse body 92 from the support 94, for maintenance and repair purposes.

The transitional member 10 of the present invention is illustratedengaged at the first angle to the elongate member 12 with the tip 14engaged at the second angle to the second connector 32 of thetransitional member 10 for engaging the hook 98 at the operational catchof the cutout and arrester combination 90.

In use, the transitional member 10 attaches to the elongate member 12 atthe first connector 24, and the tip 14 (or another tool) attaches to thetransitional member 10 at the second connector 32, in the mannerdiscussed above. The light bulb in the light source 40 emits lightthrough the cover 44, upon selective activation with the switch 50. Theelongate member 12 is extended so that tip 14 can be raised near theelectrical distribution equipment 90 on a pole remote from the ground.This provides lighting at the work area remote from the ground where thelinesman is handling the elongate member 12. Operational catches, suchas the hooks 98, 99 in the illustrated cut-out 90, attached to theelectrical distribution equipment are readily engaged in the opening 80or the arm 78 of the tip 14. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the arm 78extends through the hook 98. Movement of the elongate member 12 causesthe fuse body 92 on the electrical distribution equipment to be movedand thereby detach from the clips in the upper support 94. If the fuseelement within the fuse body 92 is blown, the fuse body is removed fromthe hinge at the support 96 by engaging the hook 99. The fuse body 92 islowered to the ground, and the fuse element is replaced. The tip 14 isthen used to engage the hook 99 to replace the fuse body 92 on thesupport 96. The tip 14 then is engaged by the arm 78 or the opening 80to the hook 98 to pivotingly move the fuse body 92 into engagement withthe upper support 94. The transitional member 10 and the tip 14 areindependently and selectively oriented at the first and second anglesrelative to the elongate member 12, to facilitate accessing theelectrical distribution equipment remote from the ground, for isolatingportions of an electrical distribution system, for repair or servicing,with light provided by the light source 40 and for re-energizing thesection of the distribution system afterward.

It is to be appreciated that the transitional member 10 is readilyusable with a hookstick for light-emitting purposes by a linesman whileworking on remote electrical distribution equipment without a separatetool attached to the second connector 32. For example, a linesman mayneed supplemental or additional lighting, which is provided by the useof another of the transitional member 10 attached to another hookstickor elongate member 12. In the alternative, several of the transitionalmembers 10 can be attached together in series at different anglesrelative to the longitudinal axis of the hookstick, with an operationaltool placed on the distal transitional member at a selected other angle.An alternate embodiment (not illustrated) of the transitional member 10is readily used intermediate the hookstick or elongate member 12 and thetool (such as the tip 14) without incorporating the light source 40therein. This embodiment provides selected orientation of the tool withthe more than one selected angle of the tool and the transitional memberfor positioning the tool to access a difficult to reach operation catchof an electrical distribution device.

The intermediate member 10 is readily fabricated or manufactured, suchas by molding or casting, and preferably using non-electricallyconductive materials, such as a plastic or other suitable material. Thepresent invention accordingly provides a transitional member thatreadily mounts to the distal end of an elongate pole at a selected anglefor providing illumination to a work area on electrical distributionequipment remote from the linesman working on the equipment whileproviding a connector for a tool or tip 14 that attaches at a secondselective angle for engaging and operating switches on electricaldistribution equipment mounted on poles. While the invention has beendescribed in detail with particular reference to the preferredembodiment thereof, the principles and modes of operation of the presentinvention have been described in the foregoing specification. Theinvention is not to be construed as limited to the particular formsdisclosed because these are regarded as illustrative rather thanrestrictive. Moreover, modifications, variations, and changes may bemade by those skilled in the art without departure from the sprit andscope of the invention as described by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of operating a catch on electricaldistribution equipment mounted on poles of an electrical distributionsystem with an illuminative transitional member attached intermediate adistal end of an elongate member and a tool for selectivelysimultaneously illuminating, engaging, and operating the catch remotefrom the ground, comprising the steps of: (a) connecting a body having afirst connecter that defines a surface of a first character with amating surface of a second character defined on a distal end of anelongate member at a first angle relative to a longitudinal axis of theelongate member; (b) connecting a tool for selectively engaging anoperational catch on electrical distribution equipment to a secondconnector in a portion of the body opposing the first connector at asecond angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member,the second connector defining a surface of a third character thatmatingly engages a surface of the tool defining a fourth character; (c)activating a light source having a power supply and light bulb enclosedwithin the body intermediate the first connector and the secondconnector with a light-emitting end oriented at an oblique anglerelative to the second connector for simultaneously illuminating a workarea of the electrical distribution equipment and the tool, whereby thetool is illuminable by the light source even though the first connectoris placed selectively in differing orientations relative to the elongatemember; and (d) moving the elongate member selectively to engage thetool in the operational catch of the electrical distribution equipmentfor operation thereof, whereby the body and the elongate member and thebody and the tool, being selectively engaged at the respective first andsecond angles, allows an operator simultaneously to illuminate the workarea and to observe the tool and the operational catch for selectivelymoving the elongate member to engage and operate the operational catchwith the tool.
 2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein steps (a)and (b) connecting comprises engaging spaced-apart ridges and valleysdefining the opposing first and second characters and the opposing thirdand fourth characters.
 3. The method as recited in claim 2, furthercomprising the step of securing the elongate member and the bodytogether with a fastener extending through a gap defined by a pair ofspaced-apart members in the body and an opening in the mating surface ofthe second character defined on the distal end of the elongate member.4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the step (d) moving causesa cantilever arm extending from the tool to engage a ring on the catchof the electrical distribution equipment for operation thereof.
 5. Themethod as recited in claim 1, wherein the step (d) moving causes anopening defined in the tool to engage the catch on the electricaldistribution equipment for operation thereof.